The Freedom Trophy, the Test series played between India and South Africa, celebrates the shared legacy of Mahatma Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. It began in 2015 and has since produced some of the most exciting cricket battles between two strong Test teams.
Over the years, many bowlers have dominated this contest, but surprisingly, Jasprit Bumrah doesn’t even feature in the top three wicket-takers. Here’s a look at the top five bowlers with the most wickets in the Freedom Trophy so far.
5. Ravindra Jadeja (India) – 36 wickets
Rounding out the top five is Ravindra Jadeja, India’s reliable all-rounder, with 36 wickets in the Freedom Trophy. While Ashwin used to lead India’s spin attack, Jadeja’s left-arm spin complemented him perfectly.
Jadeja’s biggest strength is his accuracy. He bowls tight lines, builds pressure, and forces batters into mistakes. On turning Indian pitches, he has often removed set batters, breaking important partnerships. His spells in the 2019 and 2023 series were particularly effective, where he combined control and speed to trap South African batters.
Beyond his bowling, Jadeja’s fielding and lower-order batting makes him one of India’s most complete players. His contributions in this rivalry go far beyond just wickets, he changes the game’s momentum whenever he’s involved.
4. Jasprit Bumrah (India) – 38 wickets
In fourth place is India’s pace sensation Jasprit Bumrah, who has taken 38 wickets in 8 matches in the Freedom Trophy. Although Bumrah is India’s strike bowler in overseas conditions, limited appearances and injury breaks have slightly restricted his overall tally in this contest.
Despite that, Bumrah has produced several unforgettable spells against South Africa. His five-wicket haul in Johannesburg in 2018 stands out as one of his finest Test performances, showcasing his lethal mix of pace, bounce, and pinpoint accuracy. He also played a key role in India’s memorable 2021-22 series victory in Centurion, where his early breakthroughs set the tone for success.
Bumrah’s unique bowling action, combined with his sharp movement and control, makes him a constant threat, especially on South African pitches that offer seam and bounce. With more matches ahead, it’s only a matter of time before he climbs even higher on this list.
3. Mohammed Shami (India) – 48 wickets
In third place is India’s experienced pacer Mohammed Shami, who has taken 48 wickets in the Freedom Trophy. Renowned for his ability to generate seam movement even on flat pitches, Shami remains one of India’s most reliable and impactful fast bowlers.
During the 2019 home series, Shami delivered a brilliant display of reverse swing and precision bowling. His deadly spells in Pune and Ranchi, where he claimed crucial five-wicket hauls, were instrumental in India’s dominant 3-0 series victory over South Africa.
What sets Shami apart is his remarkable consistency. Whether operating with the new ball or exploiting the old one, he constantly challenges batters with his tight lines and sharp movement. His accuracy and persistence make him one of India’s most trusted match-winners in Test cricket and a key figure in this celebrated rivalry.
2. Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) – 55 wickets
Just behind Ashwin is South Africa’s pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, who has taken 55 wickets in 14 matches in the Freedom Trophy. Known for his consistency, pace, and aggression, Rabada has firmly established himself as one of the world’s best Test bowlers.
He has been a constant menace to India’s batting lineup, whether in South Africa or on Indian pitches. His sharp bounce, seam movement, and pinpoint accuracy have troubled even India’s top batters. During the 2018 home series, Rabada was at his lethal best, dismissing key players like Virat Kohli and Cheteshwar Pujara in match-defining spells that helped South Africa secure victory.
Rabada’s record shows that world-class fast bowling thrives in all conditions. His ability to swing the ball both ways, adapt quickly, and maintain relentless pressure makes him South Africa’s most successful bowler in the Freedom Trophy’s history.
1. Ravichandran Ashwin (India) – 57 wickets
Leading the chart is India’s spin maestro Ravichandran Ashwin, who has taken an impressive 57 wickets in 14 matches in the Freedom Trophy. On home soil, Ashwin has been nearly unbeatable against South Africa’s batting lineup, which has often found it difficult to handle his quality spin and variations.
In the 2019 home series, Ashwin was the standout performer, dismissing key batters like Dean Elgar and Faf du Plessis at crucial moments. His clever changes in flight, pace, and turn made him a constant threat. At Visakhapatnam, he claimed eight wickets in the match, setting up a comfortable victory for India.
Ashwin’s brilliance lies in his ability to adapt. Whether bowling on turning tracks in India or flatter surfaces in South Africa, he consistently finds ways to contribute. His knack for breaking partnerships and striking when needed makes him India’s most valuable bowler in this high-profile rivalry.
Why Bumrah’s Position Surprises Fans
Jasprit Bumrah’s absence from the top three might surprise many, considering his world-class reputation. However, limited appearances due to injuries and rest have reduced his total wickets in the series. Still, his average and strike rate remain among the best, proving his impact whenever he plays.
With India set to tour South Africa again, Bumrah has a strong chance to move up this list. If fit, he could soon join Ashwin, Rabada, and Shami at the top.
Conclusion
The Freedom Trophy isn’t just another Test series, it’s a battle of pride between two of the world’s best cricketing nations. From Ashwin’s spin magic to Rabada’s fiery pace, and from Shami’s precision to Bumrah’s aggression, these bowlers have shaped the story of this rivalry.
As both teams prepare for future series, one thing is certain, the Freedom Trophy will continue to bring out the best in bowlers, and new names will soon challenge these legends for the top spot.
Written by Kinjal Walantra